A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saaremaa vs. The Hague for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Saaremaa or The Hague?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa or The Hague, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is a quiet, calm, and peaceful island. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Saaremaa is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food and beaches. See Saaremaa travel costs.

The Hague

The Hague is a diverse, global, and international city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and live music. See The Hague travel costs.

Saaremaa and The Hague: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular beach
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities


Is there more to do in Saaremaa or The Hague?

Visitors will usually find more to do in The Hague than Saaremaa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. The Hague is better known for its nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Saaremaa is more popular for its beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Saaremaa is well known for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting. The Hague is well known for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy. Also, The Hague is famous for The Peace Palace.

How is Saaremaa different from The Hague?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between The Hague and Saaremaa. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is the Food Better in Saaremaa or The Hague? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Saaremaa
The Hague

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saaremaa and The Hague can be difficult as they are each excellent in their own way.

Saaremaa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Like most things on the island, traditional local food is still the norm here. The island is known for its smoked fish, homemade bread, and locally brewed beers. Popular fishes include garfish, herring, and flatfish, which you can enjoy at a local restaurant or one of the pop-up cafes that are popular during the summer months. You'll find the highest concentration of restaurants in Kuressaare, but there are still many options further out. It's also fun to visit during September during the Saaremaa Food Festival.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, The Hague makes for a great culinary experience. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.


Is Saaremaa or The Hague Better for Nightlife?

Saaremaa
The Hague

The Hague is great for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to The Hague for the nightlife scene. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

People don't go to Saaremaa for the nightlife. The island is known for it's quiet, laid-back atmosphere, so you'll be hard pressed to find a party or active club, even during the more popular summer months.

Is Saaremaa or The Hague Better for Music?

Saaremaa
The Hague

The Hague is great for its music scene. However, Saaremaa is not a live music destination.

The music scene in The Hague draws a good crowd. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.

Saaremaa is not a live music destination.

Is Saaremaa or The Hague Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa
The Hague

Saaremaa is very good for its beaches. However, The Hague is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Saaremaa to enjoy the beach. The beaches are quiet and relaxed, even during the summer months. In town, the best beach is Kuressaare Beach. Outside of town you'll find other nice beaches such as the sandy beaches between Mändjala and Järve. The beaches in Tuhkana and Jõiste villages are also well known. For swimming, most people prefer to visit Lake Karujärv.

The Hague is not a beach destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or The Hague?

Saaremaa
The Hague

The Hague is great for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in The Hague. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or The Hague More Beautiful?

Saaremaa
The Hague

Saaremaa is an excellent place to visit for its scenery and beauty. However, The Hague is not a destination known for its beauty.

Saaremaa is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The island has a classic beauty that feels frozen in time.

The Hague is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Saaremaa or The Hague Better for Families?

Saaremaa
The Hague

Saaremaa and The Hague are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Saaremaa offers lots of family activities. While the island is known for its slow pace, there are still a number of fun activities where the kids can run and jump. There are several outdoor adventure parks and playgrounds that are great for young legs. Check out the playgrounds in Kuressaare or head out of town for more outdoor activities. When the weather's nice you can head to Kuressaare Beach or check out the ostrich farm in Muhu.

The Hague is a family-friendly place to visit. This city has a bit more of a family-friendly vibe than nearby Amsterdam. Kids enjoy exploring by bike or heading to the Scheveningen Beach Resort.


Is Saaremaa or The Hague Better for Couples?

Saaremaa
The Hague

Saaremaa is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Saaremaa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The peace and quiet of the island make for a relaxing couple's getaway. You can enjoy the outdoors and feel like you've stepped back in time as you explore the laid back island in the Baltics.

The Hague makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

Is Saaremaa or The Hague Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Saaremaa
The Hague

For backpackers, both Saaremaa and The Hague are notable places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Saaremaa. While prices are cheap, transportation isn't great so you'll likely want to rent a car if you want to really explore the island. There are a number of rooms available for rent at an affordable price, particularly in the shoulder season, but you'll you'll only find a handful of hostels on the island.

The Hague is a good island to visit for backpackers. While most backpackers head to the more popular city of Amsterdam, The Hague has a fun atmosphere with a diversity of activities and restaurants.

Is Saaremaa or The Hague Better for Students?

Saaremaa
The Hague

The Hague is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Saaremaa is not popular with students.

The Hague is a great destination for students. This is a very popular study abroad destination so you'll find plenty of international students living here. It's an internationally oriented city so everyone feels right at home.

Saaremaa is not popular with students.


Is Saaremaa or The Hague Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saaremaa
The Hague

The Hague is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

The public transit in The Hague can get you to most places easily. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Saaremaa. Most people arrive on the island by ferry. There are buses on the island but they cater mostly to locals. To really explore, you'll want to have access to a car.

Is Saaremaa or The Hague a more walkable city?

Saaremaa
The Hague

The Hague is a nice place to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its walkability.

The Hague is a somewhat walkable city. There are a number of walk tours through the city center.

Saaremaa is not a walkable island. While their are some walking trails, you really need a car to explore the island in depth.

For even more information, also check out Is Saaremaa Worth Visiting? and Is The Hague Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in The Hague or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or The Hague?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saaremaa and The Hague. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saaremaa than in The Hague. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saaremaa, and 1-3 days is enough time in The Hague.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in The Hague than Saaremaa if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in The Hague.


  • How many days in Saaremaa or The Hague? Ideal Length of Stay
    Saaremaa 2-4 
    The Hague 1-3

One day in Saaremaa or The Hague?

Even though Saaremaa is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The Hague is a big city with plenty to do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


A weekend in Saaremaa or The Hague?

Saaremaa is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The Hague is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in The Hague, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Saaremaa or The Hague?

Saaremaa is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The Hague is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Saaremaa or The Hague?

Saaremaa is a popular choice for travelers. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The Hague is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, The Best Luxury Tours to Netherlands, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands.


Which place is cheaper, The Hague or Saaremaa?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Saaremaa is €128, while the average daily cost in The Hague is €218. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Saaremaa and The Hague in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Saaremaa 36
    The Hague 104
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Saaremaa 72
    The Hague 208
Compare Hotels in Saaremaa and The Hague

Looking for a hotel in Saaremaa or The Hague? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Saaremaa


Hotels in The Hague


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: The Hague Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Saaremaa 47
    The Hague 19
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Saaremaa

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Saaremaa:


  • Rental Car and Gas for a Day
    34

Hired Cars and Shuttles in The Hague

Also for The Hague, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private direct transfer from The Hague to Arnhem: $288
  • Private direct transfer from The Hague to Vlissingen: $288
  • Private Tour of Delft and Gouda including Transfer: $259
  • The Hague and Delft: Private Half-Day Tour with Transfer: $223
  • Rotterdam & Delft: Private Tour with Cube House and Transfer: $201
  • Private Direct Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam: $182
  • Premium electric Transfer from The Hague to Schiphol Airport: $176
  • Private Transfer From The Hague Hotels to Amsterdam Cruise Port: $173
  • Premium Electric transfer from Delft to Schiphol Airport: $173
  • Private direct transfer from The Hague to Utrecht: $166
  • Private Transfer: Amsterdam Airport to The Hague (Den Haag): $120
  • Eindhoven: Train Transfer Eindhoven from/to Den Haag: $36

Is it cheaper to fly into Saaremaa or The Hague?

Prices for flights to both The Hague and Saaremaa change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Saaremaa 63
    The Hague 95
Typical Food Prices in Saaremaa

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Saaremaa:


  • Salmon
    1.28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in The Hague

For The Hague, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • The Hague Food Tour: $69
  • Small-Group Food Tour Scheveningen Beachside in The Hague: $76
  • Private Indian Cooking Experience in Netherlands: $88
  • The Hague Street Food Tour 7 Stops with Flavors and Stories: $100
  • The Hague Walking Food Tour: $105
  • Walking Delft Food Tour: $105

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Saaremaa 21
    The Hague 34

Tours and Activities in The Hague

For The Hague, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • 90 minutes Self Guided Walking Tour with puzzles in Delft: $23
  • 90 minutes Self Guided Walking Tour with puzzles in Den Haag: $23
  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of The Hague’s Historical Center: $9.99
  • Charms of dutch heritage : Delft Private Walking Tour: $229
  • Dahlia Bicycle Tour Exploring Dahlias and Windmills: $50
  • Dahlia Tour in Voorhout: $11
  • Delft 2-Hour Walking Tour | Discover The City With A Local: $3.53
  • Delft Family Delights Historic Walking Tour: $229
  • Delft Self Guided Walking Tour and City Exploration Game: $12
  • Delft's Local Bites and Stories: A Self-Guided Tour: $9.99
  • Delft: Private Walking Tour and Royal Delft Factory: $200
  • Discover Delft with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Saaremaa 11
    The Hague 30

Sample the Local Flavors in The Hague

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in The Hague:

  • Pub Crawl with Free Drinks and Entrance: $41
  • The Hague Pub Crawl: Play, Explore, Enjoy!: $279


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Saaremaa and The Hague, we can see that The Hague is more expensive. And not only is Saaremaa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saaremaa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saaremaa and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in The Hague would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in The Hague than you might in Saaremaa.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Saaremaa Expensive? and Is The Hague Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or The Hague?

The Hague has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa and The Hague, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Saaremaa or The Hague?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Saaremaa or The Hague in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and The Hague. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to The Hague because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saaremaa is around the same temperature as The Hague. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saaremaa in July average around 17°C (62°F), and The Hague averages at about 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in The Hague this time of the year. In Saaremaa, it's very sunny this time of the year. Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than The Hague during summer. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies, while The Hague receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than The Hague. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Saaremaa 17°C (62°F) 
    The Hague 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Saaremaa or The Hague in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as The Hague. The autumn months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to The Hague this time of year.

In October, Saaremaa is generally cooler than The Hague. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 8°C (47°F), and The Hague fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Saaremaa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as The Hague. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while The Hague receives 105 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as The Hague. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Saaremaa 8°C (47°F) 
    The Hague 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Saaremaa or The Hague in the Winter?

Both The Hague and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The cuisine are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year. Also, many travelers come to The Hague for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in The Hague. It's quite cold in Saaremaa in the winter. Saaremaa is much colder than The Hague in the winter. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and The Hague fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Saaremaa usually receives less sunshine than The Hague during winter. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies, while The Hague receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than The Hague. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Saaremaa -3°C (27°F) 
    The Hague 2°C (36°F)

Should I visit Saaremaa or The Hague in the Spring?

Both The Hague and Saaremaa during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to The Hague in the spring for the activities around the city.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saaremaa. In the spring, Saaremaa is much colder than The Hague. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saaremaa in April average around 4°C (38°F), and The Hague averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than The Hague. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while The Hague receives 158 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in April than The Hague. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while The Hague receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Saaremaa 4°C (38°F) 
    The Hague 8°C (46°F)

Typical Weather for The Hague and Saaremaa

Saaremaa The Hague
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb -3°C (26°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Mar -1°C (30°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 4°C (38°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in)
May 9°C (48°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 8°C (47°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 4°C (39°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Dec 0°C (32°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)